Jaguar announces electric car race series

British brand reveals one-make championship for upcoming I-Pace SUV

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Jaguar announces electric car race series

13 Sep 2017Andrew Maclean

Jaguar has announced plans for the world's first electric touring car series.

The British brand, which last week confirmed that every new Jaguar and Land Rover from 2020 will feature some form of electrical assistance, used the 2017 Frankfurt motor show to reveal it will develop a one-make motor racing championship for its upoming I-Pace SUV, the brand's first fully-electric car.

Dubbed the I-Pace eTrophy, the 10-round series will be the primary support class for the all-electric Formula E championship with races on street circuits such as in Hong Kong, Paris, London and New York, starting in late 2018.

While technical details of the racers have yet to be revealed, Jaguar says its Special Vehicles Operation (SVO) will build 20 I-Pace eTrophy vehicles and offer young and upcoming drivers an "arrive and drive" package where competitors pay an annual fee for car preparation and transport.

“Jaguar returned to racing in 2016 with the mission ‘Race to Innovate’. With the launch of the Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY we have strengthened our commitment to battery electric vehicles, international motorsport and Formula E," said Jaguar Racing's Chairman Gerd Mäuser.

2018 Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy Photo: supplied

"As a British team, we are proud to announce today the launch of the world’s first production battery electric vehicle championship.”

“We’ve always said we want to prove our electrification technologies on the track – this is the proof. I am looking forward to seeing a full grid of Jaguar I-PACE racecars in late 2018, soon after the first Jaguar I-PACE hits the road in Europe. Ultimately this innovative series will enhance the technology in our future electric vehicles and benefit our customers.

“Formula E has grown exponentially since we joined as the first premium manufacturer last year, with commitments from Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. The Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY will improve the spectacle for the fans and gives young drivers a ladder into Formula E. We expect our series to be a sell-out and an exciting international sporting event.”